BK-Channels: Macroscopic current simulator (IBK) for research and teaching-learning

Abstract

Virtual laboratory practices become relevant in times of pandemic. In this study, a simulator of high-conductance K+
channels (BK) is presented for research and teaching-learning purposes. These channels are related to diseases such
as epilepsy and high blood pressure. The simulator is based on the mathematical model of Gupta and Manchanda,
and it was implemented in Visual Basic 6.0 for Windows®. The simulator reproduces the published experimental data
of the macroscopic BK current kinetics of transfected channels in different cells. The simulated and experimental data
did not show differences (p > 0.05). Through the simulator, virtual experiments can be performed; parameters such as
Ca2+ sensitivity (ΔV1/2), internal Ca2+, and voltage dependence can be determined; and the conductance-voltage
relationship (G-V) can be reproduced. The simulator is executable on any PC with minimal resources, and it can be
used as a teaching tool in classroom and distance learning courses.